The Garden he enters is completely white,
symbolizing the holy spirit. He also must enter through a
narrow gate. This alludes to the passage in Matthew's Gospel.
(submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)

Ascension

After his death, he levitates on the ground towards
a heaven-like garden that is completely white. Since in this
film heaven is a lateral place it is not unlikely that his
levitation was meant to symbolize an ascension. (submitted by Steve
Ash, Memphis TN)

Baptism

When Maximus is deloused after being bought by
Proximo. He is being baptised into a new life as a slave.
(submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)

Clean/Unclean

Maximus is portrayed as a devout, even pious man.
He is is reminder not to associate "pagan" with "godless."
We should be careful not to Christianize his beliefs. (submitted by
Mike Clark, Hamilton, Canada)

Covenants

The old method used for making an oath was for a
man to place his hand in the groin area and this is shown briefly
when Maximus makes his vow to the good king (before his son kills
him). I just think this is a cool clip to help bring the Bible to
life. (submitted by Dave Robinson, MCYM/Club Beyond (a joint
partnership between Young Life and Youth for Christ to reach US
Military-dependent students) Bad Aibling, Germany)

Crucifixion

When Commodus is taunting Maximus, while Maximus is
tied up in a crucifixtion -like pose. Then Commodus stabbs
Maximus in the side, very symbolic of Matthews passion narrative.
(submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)

Interconnectedness

There is a quote that goes a little like this:
"What you do today echoes through eternity." I think an
entire year can be filled with lessons using this quote as a
launching point. (submitted by Dave Robinson, MCYM/Club Beyond (a
joint partnership between Young Life and Youth for Christ to reach
US Military-dependent students) Bad Aibling, Germany)

John the Baptist

Proximo is a John the Baptist character in the
film. Once realizing how good a gladiator Maximus is, he
guides him to achieve his goal. (submitted by Steve Ash, Memphis TN)

Joseph (OT)

Gladiator develops a similiar theme that is found
in the life of Joseph, Maximus has a "decent" into the
bottom of the social order by becoming a slave. Joseph becomes a
slave and maintains his integrity --God is with him - and as Joseph
ascends in power...in a sense conquers mighty Egypt from within.
Maximus defeats the mighty power of Rome single-handedly because of
his integrity and resolve, ascending to a place of prominence while
being a slave. (submitted by Todd A. Capen)